Pedrosa on the hunt as the Repsol Honda Team hits Misano

This week the Repsol Honda Team heads to Misano for the thirteenth round of the 2012 World Championship and the second visit of the season to Italy.

The Misano World Circuit has been recently renamed as the 'Marco Simoncelli Circuit' in honour of the much-loved Italian rider who passed away in the Malaysian GP last year. The event promoters have worked tirelessly to ensure that this weekend's Grand Prix will be a great celebration in memory of their beloved countryman.

After his two successive wins in Indianapolis and Brno, Dani Pedrosa arrives in Misano confident and aiming to continue his great momentum at a track where he's been on the podium the last three years in a row, with a victory included in 2010. Alongside Pedrosa for the first time in a Grand Prix weekend is British rider Jonathan Rea, who will combine MotoGP and Superbike World Championships whilst replacing Casey Stoner - currently recovering in Australia after successful surgery to his right ankle.

Dani Pedrosa

"Misano is a tricky track, quite bumpy, with a lot of braking and acceleration. The grip level is always a challenge, because it changes a lot from the morning sessions to the afternoon. In the past, our bike has been quite unstable there but I believe this year we have improved that. I hope the work we have done in the Brno and Aragon tests with suspension and electronics can help us to start the weekend strong in Misano."

Jonathan Rea

"For me its a big dream come true just to race in MotoGP; it's been very unfortunate for Casey to sustain such an injury when he was having a very strong season and my best wishes go to him while he recovers. Now, my job is to replace him and I will try to do the best I can. I love Misano, I've already raced there this year and I finished second, it's also where I had my first ever Superbike win in 2009 and I enjoy the circuit and the Italian fans, they are always very enthusiastic. It's been great to have these 3 days testing on the bike to prepare myself and for sure Friday morning will be less chaotic. We already have the riding position set, the base setup is set and I understand the electronics a little more. I know it's going to be busy, but I'm ready."